APOEL (Cyprus) vs Zenit (Russia)
APOEL's midfielder Tijani Belaid has been on an individual training programme as he seeks to gain match fitness, but Jovanovič said "all the players are at my disposal". Defender Christos Kontis retired after a heart attack late last month.
Zenit's midfielder Sergei Semak has not featured since breaking his fifth metatarsal in July; however, winger Vladimir Bystrov is back after a knee ligament injury sustained in March and Spalletti was due to make a decision on his involvement after training on Monday.
APOEL have never played a Russian side in UEFA competition and likewise this is Zenit's first European game against Cypriot opposition. Russian side will be tough for the Cypriots, expect Zenit to win this game. Zenit -1/4 on the Asian Handicap will be my choice.
Viktoria Plzen (Czech Rep) vs BATE Borisov (Belarus)
Plzen will be without goalkeeper Roman Pavlík until the end of September after injuring his knee at Rosenborg BK on 27 July. Plzeň signed Marek Čech, 35, as cover. Petr Jiraček shook off an ankle problem to start at Sigma on Friday and Vrba has no fresh injury worries.
BATE's Vitali Rodionov will miss the group stage after rupturing knee ligaments and is expected to be out until at least April. Evgeni Kuntsevich has been ruled out until the new year after undergoing knee ligament surgery in July; midfielders Dmitri Likhtarovich (muscular problem) and Aleksandr Pavlov (torn adductors) are also sidelined. Artyom Kontsevoi (groin) and Aleksandr Yurevich (torn ankle ligament) are back in training.
This is the first time Plzeň have reached the group stage of a European club competition, having won the 2010/11 Czech title in their centenary year. BATE are competing in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the second time. They finished bottom of their section in 2008/09. The sides have never met in UEFA competition. Plzeň are playing Belarusian opposition for the first time, and this will be BATE's first encounter against a Czech side. With Barcelona and AC Milan in the same group, this is a six-pointer game which is vital to finish 3rd in the group and qualify for the Europa League. Expect a good match with both team to score. 1-1 or 2-1 to the home side.
Barcelona (Spain) vs AC Milan (Italy)
Carles Puyol, who had knee surgery on 1 June, was an unused substitute on Saturday and could return according to Guardiola. Alexis Sánchez went off with a torn hamstring and will be missing for six to eight weeks. Gerard Piqué has not figured since tearing his left calf in training on 23 August. Ibrahim Afellay is also absent with a thigh injury sustained in late July.
Barcelona old boy Ibrahimović did not travel after injuring his right thigh in training, while Robinho misses out after failing to shrug off a groin problem. Gennaro Gattuso (three games) and Philippe Mexès (back on matchday two) are suspended. Mathieu Flamini sits out the group stage after knee surgery in late August while Taye Taiwo is sidelined by an ankle complaint.
The sides have met 11 times in UEFA competition, recording four wins each and three draws. Barcelona's record in five home games against Milan reads W2 D2 L1. With injuries to key attacking players of AC Milan and the suspension of Gattuso and Mexes, it is not surprising to see the bookies giving Barcelona a 1 3/4 ball favorite over their opponent. AC Milan is a good team and can frustrate Barcelona by defending and will try to catch Barcelona on the counter. Take the generous 1 3/4 handicap given by Barcelona and Under 3.50 goals.
Borrussia Dortmund (Germany) vs Arsenal (England)
Lucas Barrios is yet to play this season after tearing a thigh muscle during Paraguay's Copa América final defeat by Uruguay. Also yet to appear are Marvin Bakalorz (Achilles), Patrick Owomoyela (hip) and Julian Kock (knee ligament tear).
Tomáš Rosický is out with a knee injury suffered on international duty, Aaron Ramsey also did not travel after picking up an ankle injury in training, while Jack Wilshere (ankle, out since 4 September) and Thomas Vermaelen (left ankle, 24 August) are both sidelined. Abou Diaby has not played since 9 June and underwent surgery on an ankle injury at the start of the summer. Sébastien Squillaci has not featured this season due to a calf problem.
While 1997 winners Dortmund are ending a nine-year group stage absence, Arsenal are competing for a 14th straight season. In Dortmund's last participation they faced Arsenal, losing 2-0 away but winning 2-1 at home with two Rosický goals. Dortmund have a habit of beating English opponents in important ties. They overcame Liverpool FC 2-1 in the 1966 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final in Glasgow having removed West Ham United FC from their path in the semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate victory.
The goal against in a 3-1 home win was the only time they conceded in their first four home games against English visitors before Henry's strike. Dortmund also knocked out Manchester United FC en route to victory in the 1996/97 UEFA Champions League, winning both legs of their semi-final 1-0. Tough one for Arsenal who needed a blunder by Swansea keeper to get the winner in their last game. The Arsenal team has not look convincing as yet and for that, expect Dortmund to get a win here.
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